Tag Archives: productivity

Waking up earlier will allow you more productivity than you can imagine and give you the time to work on things that need to get done earlier rather than later.

I’m typing this blog post around 6:30 AM in the morning. I’ve been up since 5:00 AM. It’s a blessing. Getting up this early in the morning has been a ritual that I’ve instilled in myself. But it hasn’t been easy. In fact, this is one of the first times I’ve been able to get up this early in a long time. In part, it’s mainly due to me having to show up at work early to avoid gosh-darn traffic. But waking up at 5:00 AM is a game changer for me. It opened up a whole new world of productivity that I didn’t expect to have. I thought I’d be groggy and sluggish for the morning and I thought I would spend most of it with my head on my keyboard. In reality, I’m getting the bulk of everything I need to get done a few hours in the day and it provides me an adrenaline rush just thinking about it. Waking up earlier will allow you more productivity than you can imagine and give you the time to work on things that need to get done earlier rather than later.

Writing

This is a big one for me. Writing, researching and getting your ideas together takes time. It’s incredibly important to me to hone my writing skills any chance I get but unfortunately, I don’t get that much time often during the day. There are always so many more pressing matters related to work and because I can’t allocate 30 minutes to get my writing done, I find that I often skip out on my writing habit if I don’t wake up early. If you are maintaining a blog and need to write more content, I highly encourage you to wake up 45 minutes earlier than your usual time and spend it brainstorming and writing down whatever is in your head.

Reading

We all know the pleasures of being able to relax with a book and soaking in everything you see on the pages. I find it difficult to read right before bedtime. My mind is always spinning and recounting everything that happened that day. I can’t focus on the book. Upon waking up, my mind is clearer and it allows me to have a clearer vision of the words I see in the book. And depending on what kind of book you read, you might feel more inspired to get things done after reading a few pages. I tend to read productivity and motivational books early in the morning because it gives me the push I need to make things happen.

Meditation

Everyone has a busy lifestyle and as we go about our day, our mind gets cluttered with nonsense. We’re always frantically thinking about this and that. We get worried by the amount of work that is placed on us. We don’t know how to slow down and appreciate everything in our lives. Meditating early in the morning provides the utmost clarity you need to make the most out of your day. It sets up your mind to be in a very clear state and allows you to hone in on everything you need to get done. Take 5-10 minutes in the morning just to sit, appreciate life, and be grateful for all you’ve been given.

Listen to Podcasts/Motivational Videos

Aside from reading, I get my source of inspiration by listening to podcasts and motivational videos on YouTube. I find that it is always nice to hear a different perspective when listening to podcasts and see how successful entrepreneurs go about their day. By focusing on their habits, their methods, and their enthusiasm, it motivates me to emulate them. Motivational videos on YouTube is the encouragement I need. Sometimes reading is great but you might need a stronger stimulus to get you going in the day. Some people are more visual and require more images to make them more productive. During work, it’s hard to set aside time to listen and watch these content so make sure to do it in the morning.

Most Important Task

And finally, the most important task. This is the one thing you want to get done in order to feel like your day is a success. You do not want to let your most important task linger on too long in your day because ultimately, you will find that other priorities will take place. The most important task can take a long time to be completed and need your utmost dedication. But if you push it off, then you will realize that sooner or later, it will be the one thing you procrastinate on the most and it’ll constantly get pushed to the next day and then the next day, so on and so forth. Don’t let this be you. Make it a priority that after clearing your head and getting your morning ritual in place, to focus on this most important task because it will make a difference on how you feel the rest of the morning.

The worst case scenario is exactly as it sounds. Whenever you are stressed about something, take the time to think about the worst thing that can happen in your head. Let that fear, panic and dread fill your mind.

I’m a natural worry wart. I am anxious about everything. Whether I am at a job doing my duties or at home taking care of errands, I always feel like something will always go wrong. I panic at the thought that I will miss a small detail and ruin the flow of things at work. I cringe thinking I will not have enough time to do my laundry before having to go to an important party that has been in my books for many months. But in the end, it all works out and my stress and anxiousness during these times made no sense. I’m trying a new method lately and it has been working for me. It’s called the worst case scenario situation and I encourage you to do it with me.

The worst case scenario is exactly as it sounds. Whenever you are stressed about something, take the time to think about the worst thing that can happen in your head. Let that fear, panic and dread fill your mind. Let it be the thing you focus on and cause you to shiver. Thinking about the worst case scenario is not easy nor fun. It might even add more anxiety to your life. But do it anyways.

After you’ve had time to panic, go ahead and meditate in order to clear your head. Then start to analyze how likely it would be for that worst case scenario to actually occur. Be realistic. Are you imagining all the bad things to happen, when it most likely won’t? What evidence is there to show you that it could go down the worst road imaginable? When you start to get grounded in your thoughts, more often than naught, your worst case scenario will never actually occur. It’s all a figment of your imagination and what you create for yourself.

I find that when we think about our worst case scenario, we are able to have more common sense. We amp ourselves up thinking about all these different situations that after a few moments, you know that it won’t turn out to be true. I find that I have become less stressed in my day to day life because I am now always assuming that the worst is never going to occur and that life will move forward. No one will be mad at me for anything I do, and if something does go wrong, I know there will be solutions to help smooth things over.

As you go about your day and you find that your anxiety sets in, be calm and rest assured that it will not be as bad as you think it is. Let your stress roll off your shoulders and walk away confidently knowing that the worst case will not really happen.

As human beings, we carry both positive and negative traits. It is important to realize some of our habits could be sabotaging our ability to get things down. Here are some habits that are hindering your productivity without you even realizing it:

You Never Say “No”

While it’s good to be helpful and efficient, you need to know when to say “no”. Always saying ‘yes’ to volunteer work, projects, tasks and people can hinder your productivity as you will eventually realize you have taken on more work than you can actually accomplish within a given time. It is important to say “no” and put your foot down when necessary. The next time you are thinking of devoting your time and energy to different projects, think carefully.

Using Ineffective Tools

While cutting food, you can’t expect to get perfect results with a dull knife. The same principle applies to your productivity. Make sure you are using tools which are effective and get the job done in a short amount of time. Make sure you are up to date with the latest apps and have installed them on your phone or tablet. Review your work systems regularly and never be afraid to ask somebody for help.

You Always Demand Perfection

While it is commendable you are always striving for perfection, it is okay to have less than perfect results now and then. Think for yourself: why should you waste your time and demand perfection from a task that is not worth it? Be choosy when deciding to use your energies. Think hard about where and when you should invest your time and attention.

You Don’t Work Well With Others

It is important you maintain a healthy relationship with your colleagues, co-workers and clients. Are you treating others the way you want to be treated? In order to work well in an organization, you should be able to get along well with your peers and pay attention to teamwork. Pay attention to your people skills. You do not want to be the person that hinders the efforts of a group just because you do not work well with others.

You Do Not Learn From Your Mistakes

Mistakes are actually wonderful gifts in disguise as they provide us knowledge and experience. The worst mistake you can make is ignoring your mistakes. Not learning from your mistakes not only hinders productivity but also wastes your time and energy. The next time a personal project doesn’t go well, ask yourself what you did wrong and how you can prevent the same mistake in the future.

You Waste Time on Social Media

Are you guilty of scrolling through your Twitter feed at work? Well then, do not be surprised when you are not able to get your work done on time. Try switching your phone off when you are doing something important. Do not allow yourself to get distracted by something that isn’t worth your time. You can always get to your social media profiles once you are done with your work for the day.

Just as we wish to remove toxicity from our foods and mind, it important we also identify and remove toxic people from our lives as well.

The world is full of kind, honest and caring people who can lift your spirits and encourage you to do your best. Unfortunately, at the same time, there are also petty people who will lie, manipulate, cheat and try to bring you down. Just as we wish to remove toxicity from our foods and mind, it important we also identify and remove toxic people from our lives as well. Identifying toxicity in others is just as important as identifying toxicity in ourselves. So, take a good look at yourself and recognize the behaviors that make you and those around you toxic. Here are a few tips to help you identify toxic people in your life:

They Find Fault in Everything

So, you are at a party and trying to have fun but your “friend” won’t stop complaining how bad the drinks are or how outdated the music is. It’s kind of hard to have a good time when somebody is always pointing out the negatives. Finding fault in everything is a common trait of a toxic person. Not only will they keep themselves from having a good time but they will also pass on that negativity to you. Stay away from such people and most importantly, do not turn into one of them.

They Are Never Happy For You

Toxic people find it difficult to be happy for others. A vacation to an exotic beach isn’t good enough for you because it’s too hot, the promotion you got is not praiseworthy enough because you are still getting paid less, and that compliment you received from a friend should not be taken too seriously because they were just being polite. Toxic people may be there for you when you are down in the dumps but the minute you start doing well, they turn their backs on you.

They Like To Gossip

One of the most common traits of toxic people is they like to gossip and talk behind other people’s backs. If they are filling you in on others’ secrets, they are probably betraying your trust as well. Avoid such people at all times as they can to cause trouble. If you have been taking interest in other people’s personal matters, now is the time to stop.

They Don’t Own Up To Their Feelings

Toxic people aren’t sincere when it comes to their feelings. At times, they may project their own negative feelings onto you. Instead of saying they have a problem with you, they will ask you “Do you have a problem with me?” This is known as projection and will often lead you to a tight spot where you will be left constantly defending your actions even though you weren’t the one in the wrong.

They Never Apologize

They will come in late, cancel plans on you and not reply to your emails but the moment they see you, they will continue to be their chirpy selves as if nothing is wrong. Real friends care about your feelings and don’t bail on you when you need them. If you cannot be there for someone, it is best you just apologize and move on.

Even the most talented people find it hard to keep their cool at a job interview. For you to be able to tackle all sorts of tricky questions, you need to be well prepared. Interviewing is a learned skill. You only have one chance to make a first impression so make sure you do well. To make things easier for you, here are some tips that will help you ace your interview:

Dress for the Job

Your visual appearance is the first thing your potential employer will notice. Be sure you are dressed for the job. Imagine showing up at an interview wearing a crimpled shirt or a shabby haircut. Your interviewer will automatically assume you did not make an effort and are not serious about the job. It is important to know what to wear at a job interview and to be well groomed at the same time. It is best to do your research beforehand just in case the company has a dress code. Make sure your clothes are clean, pressed and neat.

Don’t Talk Too Much

It’s easy to get carried away, especially when you are already nervous. The best way to keep yourself from talking about your neighbor’s dog or starting an endless rant about your previous job is to keep your mouth shut. Only speak when you are spoken to, adopt a professional tone and avoid getting too friendly. Use appropriate language when you speak and avoid using slang words or references to politics, race or religion. The last thing you want is to offend your potential boss.

Do Not Appear Desperate

No matter how badly you need the job, do not appear needy or desperate. When you try to get your interviewer to sympathize with you, it means you are stating you are not qualified enough for the job and this gives off the impression that you lack confidence. Be calm, confident and cool. Allow your personality to shine. Remember, you are a qualified individual who deserves the job. If you believe in yourself, others will believe in you too.

Be On Time

Arriving late at an interview gives out the message you are non-serious and do not care enough for punctuality. Time is money and no employer would hire you if you give off the impression that you are not punctual.

Remember Body Language

There are a few things you need to keep in mind before a job interview and body language is one of the crucial things you should be careful about. Poor body language reflects poorly on you. Maintain a sturdy posture and do not slouch, as it makes you appear lazy. Effective body language includes smiling, maintaining eye contact with the person in front of you, listening actively, maintaining a solid posture and nodding in acknowledgment. Avoid habits such as touching your hair, slouching, fidgeting in your chair, mumbling to yourself or even worse, chewing gum.

So, keep these tips in mind and you can improve your chances of acing your job interview.

We all want to know we have a purpose in life. This means that we have an end goal in mind and that we are waking up every morning working towards that purpose.

Productivity is such an important part of our day to day life. We want to know that we are on the right track in our lives and not wasting it away. On days where there has not been very much completed, we get down on ourselves for not doing enough. If other people distract from your work, tell them that your time of productivity is important. You want to get all of your tasks completed because it’ll make you feel better. But what other reasons are there on why productivity is so important?

Purpose

We all want to know we have a purpose in life. This means that we have an end goal in mind and that we are waking up every morning working towards that purpose. If you do not work towards it or get very little done in a day, you may feel you are not working hard enough. This can make you feel sad about yourself and create insecurity. You might reanalyze your purpose in life and whether it truly is meant to be. This is why staying productive is so key because if you don’t keep working towards your end desire, then what is the point of waking up and going about your day. Everyone needs to have an ultimate dream and being productive will inch you closer to it.

Work Ethic

Productivity is important because it is a reflection of your work ethic. You want to be seen as someone who is hard-working and someone others can rely on. Nobody wants to work with someone who has a poor ethic. If that is the case then nothing would ever get done. We want to be around others who can help us carry the load of our work and someone we can trust. Being productive helps build your reputation as a hard-worker and can make it easier for everyone in a team setting.

Piece of Mind

Being productive allows you to afford some piece of mind. It reminds you that at you are indeed on the right path if you are getting everything that you wanted to get done, accomplished. It shows you that you are a hard-worker and that nothing can get in your way. You don’t have to rely on other people telling you what needs to be completed because you know that you will get to it. You establish yourself as a reliable individual and one that others can depend on no matter what. Who doesn’t want to feel likethat?

Productivity is important if you want to succeed in life. Do you want to succeed? If so, make productivity a huge part of your day to day life and do not let anything distract you along the way. Each day is short. You need to get as much done as you can to make it worth it.

Sure I have my systems and they often fail and I find myself starting at the bottom again. It’s okay.

Being productive is constantly a challenge for me. You may think that I am an ideal role model, but that is far from the case, especially when it comes to productivity. Sure I have my systems and they often fail and I find myself starting at the bottom again. It’s okay. Learning to be productive is part of getting through life. If you struggle with productivity, here are the top ways to get over the hurdles. I find myself using these techniques and they work.

Buy A Timer

I find that I do best when I am racing against a timer. For me, I am innately competitive and I want to prove to others that I can abide by a deadline or a time to get things done. By setting 15 minutes aside to work on a task, I want to make sure that I finish it and make sure my mind does not wander. In fact, I have a 15-minute timer as I am writing this and it’s creating this sense of urgency to get this blog post completed. The timer can become the catalyst to you being productive. Anytime you want to get a task done, just set it and forget it. Focus intensely for that period of time and you’ll see your workflow will start to prosper as a result.

Anti-Procrastination Bowl

This is a new thing that I started doing. It is another task management system that I have in place to help me get stuff done. So far I haven’t used it as often as I would like but it is a fun way for a decision to be made, without exerting addition decision power. The anti-procrastination works by collecting all of your to-do tasks in a bowl. You write down each task on an individual index card, fold it up, and place it in the bowl. After all the tasks you want to get done are in the bowl, you randomly choose one of the cards. Regardless of what it says, make the choice to set aside 30 minutes to only focus on that task and nothing else. You’ll find that once you finish that card, you’ll have the urge to complete the next task at hand. I find this to be a fun way to vary your projects and to ensure that you don’t dwell on what to do next too often.

Get An Accountability Partner

Find someone who is able to motivate you to get stuff done. This accountability partner will check in with you from time to time and make sure that you are on track with everything that you need to get done. At the same time, you need to make sure you are keeping your partner in check as well and that they are being productive, otherwise, this won’t work. It’s important to have someone always in your ear and watching over you because you’ll feel more pressure to not let your partner down. Also, being around people who are focused and driven will encourage you to be the same.

There are many hurdles in the world of productivity and sometimes you just have to force yourself to jump over them. Try these techniques to overcome your procrastination and watch your productivity soar beyond your wildest imaginations. It’s important to always keep searching for a process that works for you and always make sure you are mindful of your habits and productivity. You’ll find that you will overcome anything you set your mind to.

If you are having a rough day, a warm cup of coffee and a good view can make all the difference to your mood.

Home is where the heart is. After a long day at work, you need to head off somewhere you can cool off, stretch your legs and relax. Your home needs to be your personal lair where you can find shelter in. Here are a few aspects of your home that influence you and suggestions for positive changes you can make to create a more peaceful home environment that will nurture you and your family:

The View

The view means everything. If you are having a rough day, a warm cup of coffee and a good view can make all the difference to your mood. According to psychologists, green is the best color as far as inducing relaxation is concerned. According to research, looking out over a green landscape can reduce anxiety, mental fatigue and increases the ability to pay attention. You do not have to have the view of a magnificent garden. Some potted plants can also do the trick.

Positive Changes You Can Make: If you do not have backyard or a view of a natural landscape, bring the greenery to you. Fill your home with potted plants. Decorate your windows with lovely plant baskets and flowers. Let your gaze linger on them often. You can also plant small herbs around the house, plus, who doesn’t like a kitchen garden?

Colors

According to color psychology, different colors can evoke different kinds of moods, feelings and emotional responses in human beings. While blue and green bring tranquility and help the mind to ease up, bold and dark colors should be avoided as they are known to evoke rage and anger. Generally, white paint helps smaller rooms appear larger and brightens up your room.

Positive Changes You Can Make: If you are planning to get your room painted, base it on the color of your furniture. Opt for shades that will brighten up not only your room but your mood as well.

Rearrangement of Your Furniture

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese method of bring balance to your home by creating a better and more comfortable home environment. According to Feng Shui, the way you organize your furniture has a huge impact on your mood, success in life and your relationships. Rearranging your furniture makes a great project. Do not be afraid to shake things up a bit.

Positive Changes You Can Make: The number one rule of Feng Shui is decluttering, which means you need to place your furniture properly.

Shapes

If you have kids, you need to pay attention to the kind of furniture you select for your home. Pointy corners of furniture are hazardous for small children and pets. How can you ever be at ease when you are constantly worried about the safety of your children? Always opt for furniture that is comfortable and homey.

Positive Changes You Can Make: Incorporate some curves in your home décor instead of making do with those nasty pointed edges. You can sew some colored cushions or bring home some curvy furnishing.

All in all, keep in mind the your home influences you and these are positive changes you can make to improve your life.

Sometimes, all you need is a fresh perspective to improve the quality of your life.

You do not have to spend big bucks to enjoy life to the fullest. Sometimes, all you need is a fresh perspective to improve the quality of your life. If you have been browsing your friend’s Instagram profile, envying over how much fun they are having, perhaps the only thing stopping you from living your life is the fact you are too busy sitting at home sulking about your empty pocket. Here are 5 ways to improve your quality of life without spending big bucks:

1. Redecorate

Did your friend just get a fancy new apartment? Maybe it is time you find yourself a project that will keep you busy. Why not redecorate your room. Simply changing the furniture around a little can make a big difference. Add a personal touch and frame photographs of your friends and family all over the wall. You can even paint your room a different color. Making simple changes in your house can make you feel more relaxed and calm. Do not forget to get some scented candles. After a long day at work, you will be relieved to enter your little haven.

2. Join the Gym

Have you been looking through your old closet, wishing you could fit into your favorite dress again? Everybody wants to lose a few pounds but rarely do we make the effort to do so. It’s time you get a gym membership. Start off with simple exercises. In a month or so, you will be surprised by how good you feel. Working out not only helps you to lose weight but builds it also builds up your stamina and helps you stay fit.

3. Learn to Say No

Learning how to say no can be one of the most liberating experiences in your life. Ever since we are children, our parents teach us to be polite and follow orders. As we grow up, we continue to do what people ask us to. It is time you start saying no. The next time somebody asks you to volunteer when you already have plans or somebody gets your order wrong and serves you the wrong food, do not be afraid to put your foot down. Once you start saying no, you will have more time to do the things you love and experience life to the fullest.

4. Plan an Outing to the Beach

Want to make plans for the weekend but cannot decide on somewhere that will be light on your pocket? Plan an outing to the beach. Invite your friends for a picnic at the beach, not only will you get the opportunity to work on your tan but you will also have a blast with your friends. Go out surfing or play some old-fashioned beach volleyball, the opportunities are endless.

5. Limit Your Time Online

If you spend hours on the internet scrolling through different social media websites, you should not complain about being unhappy. Get up and go outside, life is about taking chances and going on adventures, so why would you want to be trapped in a virtual world? Go outside, read a book, or meet a friend. If you want to improve the quality of your life, you better get going.

There are many disadvantages of not getting enough sleep: you are always exhausted and irritated.

Nobody likes dark circles under their eyes and to look tired all the time. There are many disadvantages of not getting enough sleep: you are always exhausted and irritated. Moreover your hair and complexion starts to look dull. You may even start to gain weight for no apparent reason.It is time you start following a proper sleep schedule. The benefits of getting proper sleep include:

Better Health

Following a proper sleeping schedule is associated with good health. After a long day at work, your body needs sufficient rest so it can recover to a healthy state and continue to function properly. Insufficient sleep has been closely linked with a wide range of health problems, such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease.

Curbs Inflammation

Following a proper sleeping schedule will curb inflammation. Inflammation has been closely associated with worsening the symptoms of multiple health disorders, such as arthritis, strokes and diabetes. Getting a good night’s sleep of around six to seven hours can help combat health disorders and boost your immune system.

Boosts Creativity

Believe it or not, a good night’s sleep and a proper sleeping schedule can actually give you a boost of creativity. Recent research has shown when you are asleep, your brain not only recalls memories but reorganizes and restructures them as well, which in turn spurs creativity. Other research has also shown people who get enough sleep have better control on the emotional components of their brain, which further gives them a creativity boost.

Helps Improve Your Performance

If you are in high school or even grad school, it is essential you follow a proper sleeping schedule if you want to do well. People who follow a proper sleeping schedule have sharper minds and stay alert. If you don’t get sufficient sleep, your cognitive function will be affected negatively, which will hamper your performance at work and school. This is why it is important that you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

Stay Fit

If you want to lose those extra pounds and are planning on going on a diet, you should also plan a proper sleeping schedule as well. Recent research has shown dieters who get enough rest and follow proper sleeping schedules are able to lose more weight. People who are sleep deprived not only have trouble losing weight but they also lose muscle mass. This is because your body burns up more protein when you are tired. Understand that sleep and metabolism go hand in hand.

Bottom line, if you want to live a healthier lifestyle then get enough sleep at night, you will be surprised by how drastically your mood improves. As you can see, there is little doubt that getting proper sleep every night will have a positive impact on your mental and physical health and you will be able to lead a healthier and more productive life. So, if you want to achieve success in all areas of your life, it is time you start following a proper sleep schedule.

Follow Us!

Who is Self-Starter Anh?

My name is Anh Phan and I am a self-starter and life coach. I provide the tools you need to get things done. Join my community which encourages members to support each other in a positive manner. I can help you foster happiness in your life. I am revolutionizing what it means to be productive and content with what we already have. Let me help you become a self-starter! Read more here